7 days in Taiwan Itinerary: Best Places, Food & Travel Tips

Taiwan is one of the most underrated countries in the world. I absolutely loved visit the home of bubble tea and was surprised by how much Taiwan has to offer. The night markets are out of this world and you’ll really be in foodie heaven. There’s so many different landscapes too from city vibes to a more nature and quiet escape or an artsy scene. I loved Taichung for that artsy vibe and Taipei was impressive with the views you could see from Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain. There’s also so many hidden gems to discover like Songlong Rock Waterfall, Taroko Gorge, and more.

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Before you go:
💱Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). You can generally divide the currency by 30 to convert it to USD.
💶 Budget for a trip to Taiwan: On average, you’ll likely spend around $113 a day in Taiwan including accomodation, food, and public transport.
💜 Is tipping required in Taiwan? No, tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Rounding up a bill or leaving small change at cafes is appreciated. High-end hotels may charge a service fee
☀️ Best time to Visit: Shoulder season is best from March to May or September to October. Do avoid June to August due to heat and typhoon risks.
🏥 Travel Insurance in Taiwan: It’s a good idea to get insurance when traveling to Taiwan. I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels.

In this Article show

How to Get to Taiwan

To get to Taiwan, most arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) located in Taipei. For convenience, you can book a transfer to your hotel online. Or, you can take the MRT to Taipei Main Station.

Taiwan Lucky Draw – Your chance for free money!

Taiwan is giving away free money to tourists over the next year! Apply at least one day ahead of your flight for the lucky draw before entry for a chance to win NT$ 5000 (£125). This money can be used for a hotel stay or at select restaurants, stores, and attractions across Taiwan.

To apply, make sure to submit your entry through Taiwan’s official website here.

I sadly didn’t win any money, but hopefully you will be a bit more lucky!

Where to stay in Taiwan

Taiwan is not as cheap as countries in Southeast Asia, though can still find some incredible hotels deals.

If you’re spending 7 days in Taiwan, I’d pick 2-3 bases so you can visit multiple places.

Here are my top picks per city for every budget.

Taiwan 7 Day Itinerary

This is my exact Taiwan 7 day itinerary! I loved it so much that I actually extended my trip and traveled Taiwan solo the rest of the time.

Taiwan Itinerary: Day 1 & 2 – Explore Tainan

Day 1 – Transfer to Tainan

After arriving to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) transfer to Tainan by high speed rail. Don’t worry, you’ll be exploring Taipei at the end of your 7 day Taiwan itinerary. The train journey to Tainan is only 2 hours long and you can purchase tickets online here.

🏨 Where to stay: Lakeshore Hotel

Day 2 – Explore Tainan

Visit Anping Fort, a historic fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century with scenic views over the harbor.
Stroll through Anping Tree House which was abandoned and has become overgrown with beautiful banyan trees.
Try street food at Anping Old Street – don’t miss trying stinky tofu, mango ice, and danzi noodles.
Check out Confucius Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest temples, with tranquil courtyards and classic Chinese architecture.
The surrounding neighborhood was super charming – have a wander discovering traditional shops and hidden cafes. My favorite of which is the Narrow Door Cafe.
Have dinner at Du Hsiao Yueh – Famous for its danzi noodles and other Taiwanese comfort foods.

Taiwan Itinerary: Day 3 & 4 – Explore Taichung

🏨 Transfer to Taichung and stay at Le Méridien Hotel

Day 3 & 4 – Explore Taichung

Read my full guide on the best things to do in Taichung

Explore the historic Taichung Old Train Station. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture that reflects Taichung’s past as a major transportation hub.
Enjoy lunch at YABI KITCHEN, a mix of Taiwanese and Western-inspired dishes.
Wander through the my favorite weekend market of the trip at Shen Ji New Village. There are so many cute handmade items for sale like the adorable bubble tea keychain I got.
Take a peaceful boat ride along the scenic canals in the Yanagawa area, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Visit the famous ice cream shop, Miyahara for delicious handmade ice cream in unique flavors, housed in a stunning old eye doctor building.

Taiwan Itinerary: Day 5 to 7 – Explore Taipei & Jiufen

🏨 Where to Stay: Palais de Chine Hotel – Stay at this luxurious hotel offering a convenient central location.

Day 5: Explore Taipei

Head to the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city. Tickets cost around $18 USD and can be purchased ahead here.
Lunch at Din Tai Fung, Taipei 101 – conveniently located in Taipei 101, you’ve got to stop at this famous Taiwanese dumpling restaurant. But expect a long wait! The dumplings were really the best I’ve ever had.
Explore Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Song Shan Cultural Park – Discover the legacy of Taiwan’s founding father and have a nice walk in the nearby park.
Dinner at Chun Shui Tang which is the original home of bubble tea and they also have delicious food.
Treat yourself to a relaxing foot massage after a day of sightseeing.

Read my in-depth guide on how to spend 3+ days in Taipei

Day 6: Day trip to Jiufen & Shifen

jiufen day trip from taipei amie tea house

You can book a tour like this one and it will take you to both Jiufen and Shifen in one day!
Shifen is where you can find a beautiful waterfall and in the town you can release lanterns after making a wish.
In Jiufen, have tea at the iconic A-MEI Tea House , offering scenic views of the surroundings.
Walk through Jiufen’s old street, lined with souvenir shops, tea houses, and street food.
Try Peanut Candy – A must-try treat with crushed peanuts wrapped in a soft pancake, often served with a hint of peanut butter.

Day 7: Exploring Taipei more

Visit Taipei National Palace Museum – one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
Right next to Taipei National Palace Museum, Silk Palace serves dishes inspired by museum artifacts. Try the Meat-Shaped Stone Dongpo Pork, resembling the famous jade sculpture, and the steamed buns with edible faces, inspired by the Jadeite Cabbage.
Customize your own tea at the Healing Herb based on your health needs. Select from a variety of herbs targeting issues like digestion, stress, or energy, and create a personalized blend.
Dress in traditional attire for free if booked ahead with the Visitor Center – it’s was such a fun experience getting dressed up and walking around the Taipei’s oldest district, Dadaocheng.
Hike Elephant Mountain at Sunset for one of the best views in the city.
Dinner at Rahoe Street Night Market – one of the best night markets in Taiwan.

Don’t miss these other posts!
🇹🇼 Taiwan Travel Guide
🤎 Solo Travel Guide to Taiwan
🧋Things to do in Taichung
📅 Taipei 3 Day Itinerary